Mobility Device

ABSTRACT

A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a vertically adjustable tension post attached to the base; a vertically adjustable center post attached to the base posterior the tension post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for a stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, such means attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the angular orientation adjustment means; one or more stirrup straps; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a laterally displaceable lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and means for adjusting the tension strap tension of the tension strap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobility device for use in physicaltherapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ankle injuries are some of the most difficult injuries to rehabilitate.The treatment of musculoskeletal joint dysfunction, including of theankle, often require physical therapy which involves the use of manualtherapy (movement of the joint under treatment), such as the Mulligan'smanual therapy technique at peripheral joints, namely, mobilization withmovement. However, due to the structures and joints at the ankle andfoot, it is extremely difficult to achieve the full range of anklemotion without the use of manual physical therapy wherein the therapistmobilizes the ankle in differing planes in order to simulate the fullrange of motion of the patient that such patient would need to meet thedemands of daily life and activities. The full range of motionencompasses rotating the foot circularly about a vertical axiscorresponding to the lower leg, such rotating comprising abduction(movement of the foot away from the center line of the body) andadduction (movement of the foot towards the center line of the body),pivoting the foot inwardly and outwardly to allow for inversion(twisting movement of the foot inward) and eversion (twisting movementof the foot outward), respectively, pivoting the foot upwardly anddownwardly to allow for dorsiflexion (movement of the foot up) andplantar flexion (movement of the foot down), respectively, or acombination of the aforementioned motions known in the art as supination(triplanar motion involving the foot moving down and towards the centerof the body wherein the heel rotates towards the center of the body, thebig toe moves towards the center of the body, the foot flexes down andthe ankle rolls out) and pronation (triplanar motion involving the footmoving up and away from the center of the body wherein the heel rotatesaway the center of the body, the little toe moves away from the centerof the body, the foot flexes up slightly and the ankle rolls in).

The prior art comprises physical therapy devices that can achieve onlysome, but not all, of the possible ankle motions. Moreover, the priorart does not comprise a physical therapy device that allows forstabilization of other joints, such as the knee, while mobilizing theankle, which is necessary for achieving the full range of ankle motions.

A further drawback of the prior art is the inability of a physicaltherapy device that allows a patient to perform manual therapy ononeself to allow for the full range of ankle motion, with the patientrequiring the assistance and direction of a physical therapist. It istherefore desirable to have an apparatus that can be used in physicaltherapy of the ankle by the patient alone after prior supervisedsessions wherein the patient receives guidance from a physical therapistpractitioner that allows for mobilization of the ankle in all possibleankle motions while simultaneously stabilizing other joints of the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use inphysical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the basewherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attachedto the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinallydisplaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post isadjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means foradjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrupto pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, androtate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the centerpost, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrupattached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of astirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a footto the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to thelateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever jointthat is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strapattached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in thestirrup. Variants on the first aspect of the invention include anembodiment wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slidetrack and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along suchone or more rails. Another variant of the first aspect of the inventionincludes an embodiment wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup isadjustable. Yet a further variant of the first aspect of the inventionincludes an integrated wherein the stirrup has positioned therein aplurality of vertical channels and a ball joint assembly comprises themeans for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup, with the upperportion of the ball joint assembly attached to the stirrup and the lowerportion attached to the center post. The ball joint assembly comprises astirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support platechannels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channelsaligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels, one ormore support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assemblyattaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated inone of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels, a balljoint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached thebearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of theplurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedlyengaged to the stirrup, one or more brakes abutting the socket, one ormore brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first endand a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end ofthe horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontalsegment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake, a railabutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one ormore brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail, a casing attachedto the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels,wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of thesocket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of thehorizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and therail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, andwherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screwsextends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so thatthe second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or morebrake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brakescrews is positioned outside the casing, and wherein the verticalsegment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated toretract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the oneor more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of theone or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakesand the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball jointand adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which issecuredly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint. An additionalfurther variant of the first aspect of the invention includes anembodiment wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posteriorportion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior endconnected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior endconnected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprises aplurality of sensors and means for relaying sensor measurements to ameans for recording the measurements. The plurality of sensors comprisesone or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein atleast one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrupwith respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinalportion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing throughsuch sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base andthe posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by thecenter post; and a calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and oneor more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein atleast one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor andat least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calfsensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor. Further variants of thefirst aspect of the invention comprise embodiments incorporating one ormore above-mentioned variants.

A second aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use inphysical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the basewherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attachedto the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinallydisplaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post isadjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means foradjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrupto pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, androtate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the centerpost, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrupattached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of astirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a footto the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reelassembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly baseattached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reelassembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axisperpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured oneend of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in thestirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; areel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein thereel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which isaccommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly coverand with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and asecond side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; areel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a secondend attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attachedto the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality ofadjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference witheach reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by adepression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reelpawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness inthe reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gearwith the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depressionbetween adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached tothe reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a firstdirection when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the firstdirection and with restriction in a second direction resulting fromengagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tensionin the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in thefirst direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the firstdirection resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel.Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding thereel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and thedisengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation inthe second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodimentsincorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to thefirst aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use inphysical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the basewherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attachedto the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position ofthe center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting thepost; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allowfor the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly anddownwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding tothe center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; astirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of astirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a footto the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to thelateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever jointthat is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strapattached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in thestirrup. Variants on the third aspect of the invention includeembodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above withrespect to the first aspect of the invention.

A fourth aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use inphysical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the basewherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attachedto the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position ofthe center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting thepost; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allowfor the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly anddownwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding tothe center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; astirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of astirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a footto the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reelassembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly baseattached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reelassembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axisperpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured oneend of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in thestirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; areel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein thereel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which isaccommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly coverand with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and asecond side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; areel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a secondend attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attachedto the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality ofadjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference witheach reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by adepression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reelpawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness inthe reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gearwith the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depressionbetween adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached tothe reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a firstdirection when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the firstdirection and with restriction in a second direction resulting fromengagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tensionin the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in thefirst direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the firstdirection resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel.Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding thereel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and thedisengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation inthe second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodimentsincorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to thefirst aspect of the invention. To use the mobility device, the userplaces his or her foot on the stirrup and secures the foot with the oneor more stirrup straps. The user positions the center post verticallyand/or longitudinally and positions the tension post vertically. Theuser adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket to thedesired lateral position. The user establishes the angular orientationof the stirrup through means for adjusting the angular orientation ofthe stirrup. With the foot is secured in the stirrup, the user wraps thetension strap around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is inthe stirrup. In order to do so, the tension strap tension must beslackened to allow for the user to slide tension strap up and around theexercise leg, which is accomplished by adjusting the tension in thetension strap if needed. The user then imparts the desired tension inthe tension strap by adjusting the tension in the tension strap. Theuser is then ready to commence exercises in mobility device 1 accordingto the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. Atthe end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension in the tensionstrap, removes the tension strap from the exercised leg, and frees thefoot from the stirrup straps and removes the foot from the stirrup.

Further additional, advantageous aspects of the invention, such asvariants of the aspects of the invention disclosed above, will becomeapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thefollowing description of the embodiments of the invention and the claimsand with reference to the accompanying drawings.

By way of example only, specific embodiments of the invention will nowbe described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are now described by way of exampleand with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view from the rear of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view from the posterior of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view from the anterior of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an overview of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of thepresent invention when in use by a user;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionwith arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of thepresent invention with arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of theembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionwith an arrow indicating the rotatability of the stirrup about avertical axis corresponding to the center post of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the handle of the lateral slide bracketof an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the lateral slide bracket of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the stirrup and ball joint assembly ofan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lateral slide track and lateralslide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Orientation: As used in this specification and with respect to mobilitydevice 1, the terms anterior and posterior refer to the left and rightsides of mobility device 1, respectively, along a longitudinal axis fromthe perspective of a person facing mobility device 1 and viewingmobility device 1 such that mobility device 1 is oriented as in FIGS. 1,6, and 8, and the terms front and rear refer to the left and right sidesof mobility device 1, respectively, along a lateral axis from theperspective of a person facing mobility device 1 and viewing mobilitydevice 1 such that mobility device 1 is oriented as in FIG. 3.

Mobility Device Base: Referring to FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14, which arevarying views of embodiments of the present invention, mobility device 1comprises a base 10. Preferably, base 10 comprises anterior lateralportion 12, posterior lateral portion 14, and middle longitudinalportion 16 which connects with anterior lateral portion 12 at point Dand posterior lateral portion 14 at point B. Preferably, point D is themidpoint of anterior lateral portion 12 and point B is the midpoint ofposterior lateral portion 14. The surfaces of middle longitudinalportion 16 and lateral portions 12 and 14 of base 10 may be (i) flat or(ii) angular. Middle longitudinal portion 16 and lateral portions 12 and14 of base 10 may (i) include perimeter surfaces surrounding an open(hollow) interior and/or (ii) have any one or more of a variety of crosssectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular,trapezoidal, and square. In a preferred embodiment, one or more wheelsmay be attached to one or more portions of base 10 to allow for ease oftransport of mobility device 1.

Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, one or more corner braces500, 508, each comprised of a first and second portions, support theattachment of individual portions of base 10 to other individualportions of base 10. Such corner braces 500, 508 may be comprised of anintegral structure or individual structures attached together. In apreferred embodiment, the attachment of anterior lateral portion 12 ofbase 10 to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 is supported by aplurality of anterior corner base braces comprising (i) an anteriorfront corner base brace 500 (FIG. 18) proximal the anterior front ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with thefirst portion attached to the front posterior surface of anteriorlateral portion 12 and the second portion attached to the front surfaceof middle longitudinal portion 16; and (ii) an anterior rear corner basebrace (not depicted or numbered) proximal the anterior rear of mobilitydevice 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portionattached to the rear posterior surface of anterior lateral portion 12and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16. Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment, theattachment of posterior lateral portion 14 of base 10 to middlelongitudinal portion 16 of base 10 is supported by a plurality ofposterior corner base braces 508 comprising (i) a posterior front cornerbase brace 508 (shown in FIGS. 7, 9) proximal the posterior front ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with thefirst portion attached to the front anterior surface of posteriorlateral portion 14 and the second portion attached to the front surfaceof middle longitudinal portion 16; and (ii) a posterior rear corner basebrace 508 (shown in FIG. 9) proximal the posterior rear of mobilitydevice 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portionattached to the rear anterior surface of posterior lateral portion 14and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16.

Tension Post: In reference to FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14, mobility device 1further comprises tension post 20 which is comprised of tension postlower member 22 attached to base 10 and tension post upper member 26which is disposed within tension post lower member 22 and can slidablymove vertically upward and downward relative to tension post lowermember 22 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position oftension post upper member 26. Preferably, tension post lower member 22is attached to anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10, more preferablyattached at point D corresponding to the midpoint of anterior lateralportion 12.

Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment with reference to FIG. 18,one or more tension post corner braces 502, 504, each comprised of ahorizontal portion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support theattachment of tension post 20 to base 10, more preferably with one ormore tension post corner braces supporting the tension post 20-base 10attachment comprising one or more of (i) a front tension post cornerbrace 502 oriented toward the front of mobility device 1, withhorizontal portion attached to the upper surface of anterior lateralportion 12 of base 10 and vertical portion attached to the front surfaceof tension post 20, (ii) a posterior tension post corner brace 504oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1, with horizontalportion attached to the upper surface of one or more of middlelongitudinal portion 16 and anterior lateral portion 12 and verticalportion attached to the posterior surface of tension post 20, (iii) arear tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) orientedtoward the rear of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attachedto the upper surface of anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portionattached to the rear surface of tension post 20, and (iv) an anteriortension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward theanterior of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to theupper surface of the anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portionattached to the anterior surface of tension post 20.

Tension post upper member 26 is comprised of (i) top portion 29 whichcorresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 that is notdisposed within tension post lower member 22 and (ii) lower portion 21which corresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 thatis disposed within tension post lower member 22. Tension post 20 mayhave any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, includingrectangular, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and square. At least aportion of tension post upper member 26 of tension post 20 and tensionpost lower member 22 of tension post 20 is comprised of perimetersurfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferredembodiment, tension post upper member 26 is separable from tension postlower member 22 to allow for lower portion 21 of tension post uppermember 26 to be fully retractable from tension post lower member 22.

In a preferred embodiment, each of tension post lower member 22 andtension post upper member 26 comprises front, rear, anterior, andposterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontalvoid space corresponding to the top of tension post lower and uppermembers 22 and 26 and a lower horizontal void space corresponding to thebase of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26. In a preferredembodiment, the horizontal cross sectional areas of tension post lowerand upper members 22 and 26 are the same. Moreover, in a preferredembodiment of mobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area oftension post 20 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area ofanterior lateral portion 12 of base 10. In alternative embodiments ofmobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area of tension post20 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area ofanterior lateral portion 12 of base 10.

The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 can be adjustedusing one of many known methods in the art. In a preferred embodiment,positioned on a surface of tension post lower member 22 are one or moreapertures L. More preferably, one or more apertures L are positioned onthe posterior surface of tension post lower member 22 as shown in FIG.7. Alternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on the anteriorsurface of tension post lower member 22. Additionally, andalternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on both theposterior and anterior surfaces of tension post lower member 22.Alternatively, the one or more apertures L are positioned on one or moreof the front and rear surfaces of tension post lower member 22 as shownin FIGS. 13-14. Additionally, and alternatively, the one or moreapertures L are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior,front, and rear surfaces of tension post lower member 22.

In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface of tension post uppermember 26 are one or more apertures H. The one or more apertures H arepositioned on one or more of the same oriented surfaces (posterior,anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of tension post lowermember 22 on which the one or more apertures L are positioned.Preferably, the one or more apertures H are positioned on the posteriorsurface of tension post upper member 26 as shown in FIG. 7.Alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on theanterior surface of tension post upper member 26. Additionally, andalternatively, one or more apertures H are positioned on both theposterior and anterior surfaces of tension post upper member 26.Alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or moreof the front and rear surfaces of tension post upper member 26 as shownin FIGS. 13 and 14. Additionally, and alternatively, the one or moreapertures H are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior,front, and rear surfaces of tension post upper member 26.

The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 is adjustedthrough use of tension post vertical adjustment pin 24 which iscomprised of head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 whichextends through desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 intothe interior of lower portion 21 of tension post upper member 26 throughone of a plurality of apertures H on tension post upper member 26 whenthe desired aperture H of tension post upper member 26 aligns verticallywith the desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22.

Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or moreapertures H on tension post upper member 26 are positioned on twosurfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anteriorsurfaces of tension post upper member 26, rear and front surfaces oftension post upper member 26) and one or more apertures L on tensionpost lower member 22 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel toeach other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post lowermember 22, rear and front surfaces of tension post lower member 22), theanterior end of shaft 27 extends through the one such aperture H on afirst surface of tension post upper member 26 that is vertically alignedto the aperture H on the second surface of tension post upper member 26(which is parallel to the first surface of tension post upper member 26)through which the head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27extends, with the anterior end of shaft 27 extending through the onesuch aperture L on a first surface of tension post lower member 22 thatis vertically aligned to the aperture L on the second surface of tensionpost lower member 22 (which is parallel to the first surface of tensionpost lower member 22) through which the head 25 connected to theposterior end of shaft 27 extends.

The diameters of apertures H and L are larger than the diameter of shaft27 so as to allow shaft 27 to be easily inserted into apertures H and L.Preferably, each diameter of aperture H and L is 1-5% larger than thediameter of shaft 27 to allow for a secure fitting of shaft 27 throughapertures H and L and into the interior of tension post upper member 26.

To adjust the vertical position of tension post upper member 26 from aninitial to a desired vertical position with tension post verticaladjustment pin 24 extending through initial aperture H on tension postupper member 26 and initial aperture L on tension post lower member 22when initial apertures H and L are vertically aligned, the user pullshead 25 of pin 24, which withdraws shaft 27 of pin 24 from the interiorof tension post upper member 26 through initial aperture H on tensionpost upper member 26 to allow for the anterior end of shaft 27 toretract fully from the interior of the tension post upper member 26 andout of initial aperture H and initial aperture L on tension post lowermember 22. The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 canthen be adjusted upward or downward as needed to the desired positionfrom the aligned initial apertures H-L through which shaft 27 initiallyextended by aligning a desired aperture L on tension post lower member22 to a desired aperture H on tension post upper member 26 andreinserting shaft 27 through the aligned desired apertures H-L to allowfor shaft 27 to be inserted into the interior of tension post uppermember 26 to engagingly secure tension post lower member 22 to tensionpost upper member 26.

Other alternative means of vertically adjusting tension post 20 can beused, including a lever (not depicted or numbered) with an upper endthat a user can manipulate and a lower end which extends into theinterior of tension post 20 and that is attached to a pneumatic cylinderdisposed within tension post 20 such as those used and known in the artto adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuatedassembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring actionsuch as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known meansof adjusting the height of a structure.

Center Post: Further in reference to FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14, attached tomiddle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 of mobility device 1 is centerpost 50. Center post 50 is comprised of lower center post 52 and uppercenter post 54. Center post 50 may have any one of a variety ofcross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular,trapezoidal, and square. At least a portion of each of lower center post52 and upper center post 54 is comprised of perimeter surfacessurrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferred embodiment, eachof lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 comprises front, rear,anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with anupper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of such lower andupper center posts 52 and 54 and a lower horizontal void spacecorresponding to the base of such lower and upper center posts 52 and54. In a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, the horizontal crosssectional areas of lower and upper center post 52 and 54 are the same.Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, the horizontalcross sectional area of center post 50 approximates the horizontal crosssectional area of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10. Inalternative embodiments of mobility device 1, the horizontal crosssectional area of center post 50 is less than or greater than thehorizontal cross sectional area of middle longitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10.

Upper center post 54 is comprised of top portion 57 and bottom portion55. Top portion 57 of upper center post 54 corresponds with the portionof upper center post 54 that is not disposed within lower center post52, and bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 corresponds with theportion of upper center post 54 that is disposed within lower centerpost 52. Bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 is disposed withinlower center post 52 and can slidably move vertically upward anddownward relative to lower center post 52 to allow the user to select adesired vertical position of upper center post 54. In a preferredembodiment, upper center post 54 is separable from lower center post 52to allow for bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 to be fullyretractable from lower center post 52.

The vertical position of upper center post 54 can be adjusted using oneof many known methods in the art. In one embodiment of the presentinvention and with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the vertical positionof upper center post 54 is adjusted in a manner similar to the verticalposition adjustment of tension post 20 described earlier throughalignment of one or more apertures Z positioned on one or more surfacesof lower center post 52 and one or more apertures X positioned on one ormore surfaces of upper center post 54 with the same one or moreorientations (anterior, posterior, front, rear) as the one or moresurfaces of lower center post 52 on which such one or more apertures Zare positioned and insertion of center post vertical adjustment pin 58,preferably comprising a shaft and a head attached to posterior end ofthe shaft, with the anterior end of the shaft preferably extending outof the one or more apertures Z. In a preferred embodiment, positioned ona surface of lower center post 52 are one or more apertures Z. Morepreferably, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the posteriorsurface of lower center post 52 (not shown in any figure).Alternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the anteriorsurface of lower center post 52 (not shown). Additionally, andalternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on both theposterior and anterior surfaces of lower center post 52 (not shown).Alternatively, the one or more apertures Z are positioned on one or moreof the front and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 as shown in FIGS.1, 6-9, and 13-14. Additionally, and alternatively, the one or moreapertures Z are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior,front, and rear surfaces of lower center post 52.

As indicated above, positioned on a surface of upper center post 54 areone or more apertures X. The one or more apertures X are positioned onone or more of the same oriented surface (posterior, anterior, front,rear) as the one or more surfaces of lower center post 52 on which theone or more apertures Z are positioned. Preferably, the one or moreapertures X are positioned on the posterior surface of upper center post54 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X arepositioned on the anterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown).Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures X are positionedon both the posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54 (notshown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on oneor more of the front and rear surfaces of upper center post 54 as shownin FIGS. 1, 6-9, and 13-14. Additionally, and alternatively, the one ormore apertures X are positioned on one or more of the anterior,posterior, front, and rear surfaces of upper center post 54.

Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or moreapertures X on upper center post 54 are positioned on two surfaces thatare parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces ofupper center post 54, rear and front surfaces of upper center post 54)and one or more apertures Z on lower center post 52 are positioned ontwo surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior andanterior surfaces of lower center post 52, rear and front surfaces oflower center post 52), the anterior end of center post verticaladjustment pin 58 extends through aperture X on a first surface of uppercenter post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture X on the secondsurface of upper center post 54 which is parallel to the first surfaceof upper center post 54, with the vertical post adjustment pin 58extending through aperture Z on a first surface of lower center post 52and aperture Z on a second surface of upper center post 54 that isvertically aligned to aperture Z on the first surface of lower centerpost 52 and through which the posterior end of center post verticaladjustment pin 58 extends.

The diameters of apertures Z and X are larger than the diameter ofcenter post vertical adjustment pin 58 so as to allow for easy centerpost vertical adjustment pin 58 insertion into apertures. Preferably,the diameter of each aperture Z and X is 1-5% larger than the diameterof center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to allow for a secure fittingof center post vertical adjustment pin 58 through such apertures.Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the invention and withreference to FIGS. 2-4, the vertical position of upper center post 54 isadjusted through use of lever 56 which is comprised of knob 59 connectedto the posterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 whichextends downward into the interior of lower center post 52 throughopening O on a surface of lower center post 52. Anterior end of centerpost vertical adjustment pin 58 is affixed with set screw S which abutslower portion 55 of upper center post 54 to secure center post verticaladjustment pin 58 to the bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 torender upper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect to lowercenter post 52. To adjust the vertical position of upper center post 54,the user displaces knob 59 of lever 56, which retracts a portion ofcenter post vertical adjustment pin 58 from the interior of lower centerpost 52 to thereby disengage set screw S from the bottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 which renders upper center post 54 movablevertically with respect to lower center post 52. The vertical positionof upper center post 54 can then be adjusted upward or downward asneeded. The user then releases knob 59, and the force of gravity willcause center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to move downwardly untilset screw S on the anterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin58 abuts lower portion 55 of upper center post 54 to secure center postvertical adjustment pin 58 to bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54to render upper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect tolower center post 52.

Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment of mobility device 1,other means known in the art can be used to vertically adjust theposition of upper center post 54. Preferably, and with reference toFIGS. 2-4, vertical position of center post 50 is adjusting using lever58 that is attached to means for pneumatically adjusting the verticalposition of upper center post 54 disposed within center post 50.Preferably, such means can comprise a pneumatic cylinder such as thoseused and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, apressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractableby spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, orother known means of adjusting the height of a structure.

In a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8, the longitudinalposition of center post 50 is fixed, maintaining the longitudinaldistance between center post 50 and tension post 20 and posterior andanterior members 14 and 12 of base 10, respectively, with center post 50fixedly attached to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10, morepreferably, attached at the midpoint of middle longitudinal portion 16of base 10 such that center post 50 is equidistant from tension post 20and posterior member 14 of base 10. Preferably, in such embodiments ofmobility device 1 where center post 50 is fixed, one or more center postcorner braces (not pictured or numbered), each comprised of a horizontalportion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support the attachmentof center post 50 to base 10, more preferably with one or more centerpost corner braces supporting the center post 50-base 10 attachmentcomprising one or more of (i) a front tension post corner brace (notpictured or numbered) oriented toward the front of mobility device 1,with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the front of centerpost 50 and the vertical portion attached to the front surface of centerpost 50, preferably the front surface of lower center post 52, (ii) arear tension post corner center post brace (not pictured or numbered)oriented toward the rear of mobility device 1, with horizontal portionattached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base10 positioned to the rear of center post 50 and the vertical portionattached to the rear surface of center post 50, preferably the rearsurface of lower center post 52, (iii) a posterior tension post cornerbrace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the posterior ofmobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surfaceof middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the posteriorof center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the posteriorsurface of center post 50, preferably the posterior surface of lowercenter post 52, and (iv) an anterior tension post corner brace (notpictured or numbered) oriented toward the anterior of mobility device 1,with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the anterior of centerpost 50 and the vertical portion attached to the anterior surface ofcenter post 50, preferably the anterior surface of lower center post 52.

Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment, the longitudinalposition of center post 50 is adjustable toward the anterior orposterior of mobility device 1 from an initial longitudinal positionusing any one of multiple known methods in the art. Preferably, base 10includes a longitudinal rail that runs along the upper surface oflongitudinal member 16 and lower center post 52 comprises a means forslidably attaching lower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail,disengaging lower center post 52 from an initial longitudinal position,sliding lower center post 52 longitudinally toward the anterior orposterior of mobility device 1 using the means for slidably attachinglower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail of longitudinal member 16to position lower center post 52 to a desired longitudinal position onlongitudinal member 16, and securing lower center post 52 in a finallongitudinal position.

Alternatively, center post 50 can be longitudinally repositioned alonglongitudinal member 16 of base 10 where at least a portion oflongitudinal member 16 between anterior member 12 and posterior member14 has a hollow interior bound by perimeter surfaces (front perimetersurface, rear perimeter surface, upper perimeter surface, lowerperimeter surface). In one such embodiment and with reference to FIGS.1-2, 6-7, 9, and 13-14, the front perimeter surface and rear perimetersurface of longitudinal member 16 each have one or more apertures A,with each aperture A on front perimeter surface of longitudinal member16 longitudinal aligned with an aperture A on rear perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16. In a preferred embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 6-7 and 9, apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 of base 10 comprise discrete apertures A eachseparated by structure corresponding to front and rear perimetersurfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10, respectively.Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS.1-2 and 13-14, each of the apertures A on front and rear perimetersurfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 comprises a continuousaperture A as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The interior of the lowerportion of lower center post 52 is hollow. Positioned on each of thefront and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 is aperture C. Centerpost adjustment pin 19 is passed through aperture A on front perimetersurface of longitudinal member 16, through the apertures C on the frontand rear surfaces of lower center post 52, and through aperture A onrear perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 that is longitudinallyaligned with the passed-through apertures C of lower center post 52 andaperture A on front perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 of base10, with the center post longitudinal adjustment pin 19 secured inposition so as to render center post 50 immovable longitudinally.Removal of center post adjustment pin 19 from initial passed-throughapertures C on the first and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 andapertures A on the front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinalmember 16 of base 10 allows for center post 50 to be movable slidablylongitudinally toward the posterior or anterior of mobility device 1 asdesired by the user, with the repositioning and securing of the centerpost adjustment pin 19 through desired apertures C on lower center post52 and apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinalmember 16 of base 10 allowing for the positioning of center post 50 inthe desired longitudinal position and rendering center post 50 immovablelongitudinally. Apart from the methods described herein, alternativemethods known in the art can be used to longitudinally reposition centerpost 50.

Stirrup: With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6-9, and 13-14, upper portion57 of upper center post 54 is attached to stirrup 60. Stirrup 60comprises anterior section F, middle section M, and posterior section Rcorresponding to where the user places the forefoot, midfoot, andhindfoot, respectively. Stirrup 60 is comprised of an upper surface 61,a lower surface 62, a front surface 63 and a rear surface 64 eachextending vertically between surfaces 61 and 62, and an anterior surface65 and a posterior surface 66 each extending vertically between upperand lower surfaces 61 and 62, respectively, and extending laterallybetween front and rear surfaces 63 and 64, respectively. Preferably, aplurality of ridges are positioned on upper surface 61 with each ridgespaced apart from the remaining ridges. More preferably, the ridges aredispersed along the longitudinal span of upper surface 61 of stirrup 60.Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, posterior surface 66 protrudesvertically upward above upper surface 61 so as to provide heel support,with the user positioning the heel to the anterior of posterior surface66 and resting the rear of the heel thereon. Alternatively, and in apreferred embodiment, one or more of front surface 63 and rear surface64 protrude vertically upward above upper surface 61 so as to providesupport to the sides of a user's foot.

In a preferred embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1-2, 5, and 13-14, thelongitudinal length of stirrup 60 is adjustable using any one of knownmethods in the art. Preferably, anterior section F of stirrup 60 isremovably attached to remaining sections M and R of stirrup 60, with oneor more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior ofstirrup 60 in section M of stirrup 60 and one or more longitudinalscrews attached to the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels tosecure anterior section F to the remaining sections M and R of stirrup60 so that the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 abutsthe anterior end of section M of stirrup 60. To adjust the longitudinallength of stirrup 60 with section F attached to the remaining sections Mand R of stirrup 60, the user pulls section F of stirrup 60 anteriorlytoward the anterior of mobility device 1 so as to separate the posteriorend of section F of stirrup 60 from the anterior end of section M ofstirrup 60. The user then longitudinally positions section F so thatstirrup 60 has the desired longitudinal length, with the posterior endof section F of stirrup 60 spaced apart from the anterior end of sectionM of stirrup 60, with at least a portion of the one or more longitudinalscrews attached to anterior section F of stirrup 60 positioned withinthe one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interiorof section M of stirrup 60.

Alternatively, posterior section R of stirrup 60 is removably attachedto remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to theremovable attachment of anterior section F of stirrup 60 described aboveto allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 withsection R attached to the remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60. Insuch an embodiment, one or more longitudinal hollow channels arepositioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 and one ormore longitudinal screws is attached to the anterior end of posteriorsection R of stirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or morelongitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M ofstirrup 60 to secure posterior section R to the remaining sections M andF of stirrup 60 so that the anterior end of posterior section R ofstirrup 60 abuts the posterior end of section M of stirrup 60.

Additionally and alternatively, both the anterior section F andposterior section R of stirrup 60 are removably attached to middlesection M of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachmentof either anterior section F of stirrup 60 or posterior section R ofstirrup 60 to the remaining sections of stirrup 60 described above toallow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with bothsections R and F attached to the section M of stirrup 60, with one ormore anterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior ofmiddle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the anterior of middle section Mand one or more posterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in theinterior of middle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the posterior ofmiddle section M and one or more longitudinal screws attached to theposterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 insertable into themiddle section M anterior channels and one or more longitudinal screwsattached to the anterior end of rear section R of stirrup 60 andinsertable into the middle section M posterior channels.

Ball Joint Assembly: With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 6-9, 13-15 and 18 (andwherein in FIGS. 7, 9, 14, and 18 comprise partial cutaway figuresimmediately below stirrup 60) stirrup 60 is attached to center post 50via ball joint assembly J, with lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 attachedto upper center portion 57 of center post 54 via ball joint assembly J,so as to allow for a wide range of motion of the user's foot positionedon stirrup 60 attached to center post 50 through the pivoting inwardlyand outwardly of stirrup 60 toward the front and rear of mobility device1, pivoting upwardly and downwardly to stirrup 60, and rotating ofstirrup 60 about a vertical axis corresponding to center post 50. In apreferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 13-15, positioned inmiddle section M of stirrup 60 are one or more vertical channels Y andone or more vertical channels U, each vertical channel comprising one ormore apertures in upper surface 61 that extend vertically downward toone or more apertures in lower surface 62, such vertical channels Y andchannel U designed to accommodate means for securedly attaching (i)stirrup 60 to upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 (channels Y) and(ii) stirrup 60 to bearing stud 84 within socket 86 (channels U).Preferably, at least one of the one or more vertical channels U isthreaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threadedbearing stud 84. More preferably, stirrup 60 comprises one verticalchannel U and a plurality of vertical channels Y comprising one or morevertical channels Y between middle section M and anterior section F andone or more vertical channels Y between middle section M and posteriorsection R.

Ball joint assembly J comprises (i) stirrup support plate 80 comprisinga structural member with one or more vertical channels and attached tothe lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 using attaching means 82, suchattaching means 82 preferably comprising screws or support platebolt/nut assemblies accommodated in the one or more vertical channels Yof stirrup 60, each such attaching means 82 extending through the one ormore vertical channels Y to and through one of the one or more verticalchannels in stirrup support plate 80: (ii) a socket 86 with asubstantially spherical lower portion and a substantially cylindricalupper portion within which is accommodated bearing stud 84 with an upperend and a lower end, wherein at least a portion of bearing stud 84 isthreaded and the upper end of bearing stud 84 extends vertically upwardto and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to andthrough vertical channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein; (iii) oneor more brakes 90, preferably two brakes 90, each brake 90 comprising anupper surface, a portion of such upper surface being curved, and furthercomprising a substantially horizontal lower surface and a substantiallysemicircular vertical surface extending between the upper surface andthe horizontal lower surface, wherein the curved portion of the uppersurface of brake 90 abuts the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86; (iv) casing 100 comprising an upper cylindrical portion 102comprised of an inner curved surface and an outer curved surface and alower horizontal portion 110 comprised of a topside and an underside,wherein cylindrical portion 102 and horizontal portion 110 form asubstantially hollow open-top ended cavity, each of the inner and outercurved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 has positioned thereon aplurality of apertures that define the ends of a plurality of casinghollow channels 106 that extend between inner and outer curved surfacesof cylindrical portion 102, and the underside of horizontal portion 110is attached to upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 of center post50; and (v) rail 92 comprising an underside and a topside, wherein thetopside of rail 92 abuts but is not attached to the lower horizontalsurface of each of the one or more brakes 90 and wherein the undersideof rail 92 is attached to the topside of horizontal portion 110 ofcasing 100; and (vi) one or more brake screws 96 each comprising ahorizontal segment 97 and a vertical segment 99 securedly attached tohorizontal segment 97, wherein each horizontal segment 97 of each brakescrew 96 comprises an interior end and an exterior end, wherein theinterior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 extendsthrough the aperture on the outer curved surface of cylindrical portion102, the casing hollow channel 106 in cylindrical portion 102 betweenouter and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102, and theaperture on the inner curved surface of cylindrical portion 102 andabuts brake 90, preferably abutting the substantially semicircularvertical surface of each brake 90, to securedly engage brake 90 to thesubstantially spherical lower portion of socket 86. Such one or morebrake screws 96 may be positioned to be oriented toward any of theanterior, posterior, front, or rear of mobility device 1.

In a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1 with two brakes 90 andtwo brake screws 96 and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, 6-9 and 13-14, onebrake screw 96 is oriented to the anterior of mobility device 1 and thesecond brake screw 96 is oriented to the posterior of mobility device 1.Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1 withtwo brakes 90 and two brake screws 96, one brake screw 96 is oriented tothe front of mobility device 1 and the second brake screw 96 is orientedto the rear of mobility device 1 (not depicted).

In a preferred embodiment comprising two brakes 90, the upper surface ofeach brake 90 comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression,such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantiallyspherical lower portion of socket 86. Moreover, in such preferredembodiment, the substantially semicircular vertical surface of eachbrake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially circular-shaped notchforming a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircularvertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures onthe outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 andcasing hollow channels 106 therebetween. Further, in such preferredembodiment, horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 issubstantially cylindrical. Furthermore, in such preferred embodiment,the diameter of the cylindrical indentation in the semicircular verticalsurface of brake 90 is approximately equal to the diameter of horizontalsegment of the brake screw 96. Additionally, in such preferredembodiment, the lower horizontal surfaces of the two brakes 90 comprisea substantially circular cross sectional surface area accommodatedwithin casing 100 and that has a diameter that is less than the diameterof the cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 such that when the twobrakes 90 are positioned toward the center of casing 100 and abut oneanother, an annular gap surrounding the abutting brakes 90 and the innersurface of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 is formed. Moreover, insuch preferred embodiment, the length of rail 92 approximates thediameter of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100. Further, in suchpreferred embodiment, the substantially horizontal lower surface of eachbrake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially quadrilateral-shapedindentation, preferably rectangular or more preferably square, thataccommodates rail 92. The width of the substantially quadrilateralindentation in the substantially horizontal lower surface of brake 90approximates the width of rail 92 so that each brake 90, which abuts thetopside of rail 92 at its substantially horizontal lower surface, isslidably and radially displaceable along rail 92. Preferably, thesubstantially quadrilateral indentation in the horizontal lower surfaceof brake 90 is radially aligned with the substantially cylindricalindentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90, which inturn is radially aligned with the apertures on the outer and innercurved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 and casinghollow channels 106 therebetween.

As indicated above, casing 100 has a substantially hollow cylindricalinterior within which is positioned at least the lower spherical portionof socket 86, the one or more brakes 90, rail 92, and the one or moreinterior ends of each horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or morebrake screws 96 wherein the interior end of each horizontal segment 97of each brake 96 abuts one brake 90, with such interior end of eachhorizontal segment 97 of each brake 96 accommodated within thesubstantially cylindrical indentation the semicircular vertical surfaceof brake 90.

Moreover, as indicated above, positioned on casing 100 are a pluralityof apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindricalportion 102 of casing 100 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween.Horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 extendsdistally and radially outwardly from casing 100, with the interior endof each horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 abutting thesubstantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90 tosecuredly engage brake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portionof socket 86, with the substantially quarter spherical depression in theupper surface of each brake 90 accommodating approximately half of thesubstantially spherical lower portion of socket 86.

To adjust the orientation of stirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which retracts aportion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 from the interiorof casing 100, with horizontal segments 97 displaced distally andradially outwardly from casing 100 and socket 86. The displacement ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in separation of theinterior end of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 from brake 90whereby interior end of horizontal segment 97 is (i) retracted out ofthe cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface of brake 90and (ii) displaced distally and radially outwardly from casing 100. Suchdisplacement of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake90 to be slidably and radially displaceable along rail 92. Thedisplacement of the lower surface of each of the brakes 90 along rail 92distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 allows for a gap to formbetween the upper surface of brake 90, which comprises a substantiallyquarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lowerportion of socket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within suchdepression. Such socket 86-brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket86, which in turn allows for movement of stirrup 60 which is attached tosocket 86 by the bearing stud 84 which is accommodated within thesubstantially cylindrical upper portion of socket 86 and extendsvertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup supportplate 80 and to and through channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein.Such movement of stirrup 60 comprises movement in various directionsincluding (i) pivot inwardly or outwardly as shown in FIG. 7 to allowfor inversion and eversion, respectively; (ii) pivot upwardly anddownwardly as shown in FIG. 8 to allow for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, respectively; and (iii) rotate circularly about a vertical axiscorresponding to center post 50 as shown in FIG. 9 to allow for footrotation (abduction and adduction); with (iv) varying combinations ofsuch movements allowing for supination and pronation.

Once the stirrup 60 is positioned in the user-desired position, the usertightens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brakescrews 96, which reintroduces a portion of horizontal segments 97 ofbrake screws 96 into the interior of casing 100, with horizontalsegments 97 displaced proximally and radially inward toward casing 100and socket 86. The displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brakescrews 96 results in the abutment of the interior end of horizontalsegment 97 of brake screw 96 with brake 90 whereby interior end ofhorizontal segment 97 is (i) extended into the cylindrical indentationof semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 and (ii) displacedproximally and radially inward toward casing 100. Such displacement ofhorizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake 90 to beslidably displaceable along rail 92 inward to a point where it securedlyabuts socket 86, with such abutment occurring between the upper surfaceof each brake 90, comprised of a substantially quarter sphericaldepression, with socket 86, with such depression accommodatingapproximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86. In a preferred embodiment, the contact of brake 90 withsocket 86 from the abutment of the upper surface of each brake 90 withthe lower portion of socket 86 displaces the socket 86 verticallyupwardly, with the upper segment of the lower portion of socket 86distal from brake 90 abutting the inner curved surface of uppercylindrical portion 102 of casing 100, further securing socket 86.

In an alternative embodiment, the interior end of each horizontalsegment 97 of brake screw 96 is securedly attached to each brake 90,preferably such attachment positioned on the substantially semicircularvertical surface of brake 90, more preferably with such attachmentcomprising the securing of the interior end of each horizontal segment97 of brake screw 96 within a substantially cylindrical indentation inthe semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns withthe apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindricalportion 102 and the casing hollow channels 106 therebetween. To adjustthe orientation of stirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws 96 byrotating vertical segments 99, which retracts a portion of horizontalsegments 97 from the interior of casing 100, with horizontal segments 97displaced horizontally radially outwardly and distally from socket 86.The displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results inthe displacement, also radially outwardly and distally from socket 86,of brakes 90 by the sliding of the lower surface of each brake 90 alongrail 92 which is in contact with the brake 90 as described above. Thedisplacement of brake 90 along rail 92 radially outwardly and distallyfrom socket 86 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface ofbrake 90, which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression,and the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 whichheretofore had been accommodated within such depression. Such socket86-brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket 86, which in turn allowsfor movement of stirrup 60 which is attached to socket 86 by the bearingstud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upperportion of socket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through avertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through channelU in stirrup 60 and secured therein. Such movement of stirrup 60comprises movement in various directions as described above and shown inFIGS. 7-9. Once the stirrup 60 is positioned in the user-desiredposition, the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotating verticalsegments 99 of brake screws 96, which reintroduces a portion ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior of casing100, with horizontal segments 97 displaced proximal to the interior ofand radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86, which slidablydisplaces each brake 90 along rail 92, with such displacement proximalto the interior of and radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86.Such displacement allows for brake 90 to be securedly abutted to socket86, with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of each brake90, comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, andsocket 86, with such depression accommodating approximately half of thesubstantially spherical lower portion of socket 86.

Stirrup Straps: With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5-9, and 14, attached tostirrup 60 are one or more straps to secure the user's foot to thestirrup. In one embodiment, attached to stirrup 60 is one strapcomprising one of calcaneus distraction strap 72 and talus tension strap76. In a preferred embodiment, stirrup straps comprise calcaneusdistraction strap 72 and talus tension strap 76. Preferably, one or moreof straps 72 and 76 is adjustable in length using any one of many knownmethods in the art. Preferably, straps 72 and 76 are removable andre-attachable to stirrup 60. In a preferred embodiment, talus tensionstrap 76 is attached to stirrup 60 at posterior section R at (i) strapattachment point 77 on rear surface 64 of stirrup 60, more preferablypoint 77 coinciding with the intersection of posterior surface 66 andrear surface of 64 of stirrup 60 and (ii) strap attachment point 78 onfront surface 63 of stirrup 60, more preferably point 78 coinciding withthe intersection of posterior surface 66 and front surface 63 of stirrup60. In a preferred embodiment, calcaneus distraction strap 72 isattached to stirrup 60 at the posterior portion of middle section M ofstirrup 60 at (i) strap attachment point 73 on front surface 63 and (ii)strap attachment point 74 on rear surface 64. Alternatively, one or moreof the attachment points of one or more straps 72 and 76 are positionedin the middle section M of stirrup 60, preferably the middle portion ofmiddle section M of stirrup 60.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more strap attachment points 73, 74,77, and 78 is adjustable. In this preferred embodiment and withreference to FIGS. 8-9 and 13, (i) positioned on one or more of frontsurface 63 and rear surface 64 of stirrup 60 is a plurality of stirruppegs 67 and (ii) positioned on one or more of calcaneus distractionstrap 72 and talus tension strap 76 is one or more strap apertures 79through which stirrup pegs 67 pass to establish a strap attachmentpoint. A user changes one or more initial strap attachment points 73,74, 77, and 78 by first disengaging one or more of straps 72 and 76 fromthe plurality of initial stirrup pegs 67 extending through a pluralityof initial strap apertures 79 and reengaging one or more straps 72 and76 to a plurality of desired stirrup pegs 67 by positioning the desiredstrap apertures 79 over the plurality of desired stirrup pegs 67 so asto have such desired stirrup pegs 67 extending through the desired strapapertures 79. Alternatively, one or more buckles or other securingdevices is used to secure each end of straps 72 and 76 to stirrup 60.

Lateral Slide Track: With reference to FIGS. 1-9, 13-14 and 16, attachedto and above tension post 20 is lateral slide track 300 comprising (i)upper surface 302 comprised of an anterior end, a posterior end, and agap 306 (FIGS. 9, 13-14) therebetween, (ii) lower surface 310, and (iii)front surface 304 and rear surface 312, each of which extends verticallyfrom upper surface 302 to lower surface 310. Preferably, front surface304 and rear surface 312 are laterally spaced apart by a void space witha lateral length corresponding to the lateral lengths of upper surface302 and lower surface 310. As such and in a preferred embodiment,lateral slide track 300 is a substantially hollow structure that issubstantially open at the anterior and posterior of lateral slide track300, thus creating a three-dimensional void space in the interior oflateral slide track 300. Preferably, lateral slide track 300 attaches totension post 20 at lower surface 310, with lower surface 310 attached tothe tension post upper member 26.

In a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 5 and 13,positioned on lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 is lateralslide track rail 305 comprising a structure which protrudes verticallyupward from lower surface 310 and extends laterally, preferablyextending laterally from the front to the rear of mobility device 1 byextending from the juncture of front surface 304 and lower surface 310to the juncture of rear surface 312 and lower surface 310.Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS.3-4, 7, 9, and 16, positioned in the void space above lower surface 310and below upper surface 302 and extending laterally from front surface304 to rear surface 312 are one or more lateral slide track rails 305,preferably two lateral slide track rails 305, each with a front end anda rear end. Such lateral slide track rails 305 may comprisesubstantially cylindrical or substantially quadrilateral prismaticstructures. The front end of each such lateral slide track rail 305 isattached to front surface 304 of lateral slide track 300 and the rearend of each such lateral slide track rail 305 is attached to rearsurface 312 of lateral slide track 300.

Lateral Slide Bracket: With reference to FIGS. 1-9, 11-14, and 16,positioned within lateral slide track 300 is lateral slide bracket 340which is laterally displaceable from the front to the rear of mobilitydevice 1. Lateral slide bracket 340 is vertically sized to fit in thevoid space between upper surface 302 and lower surface 310 of lateralslide track 300, preferably the lateral slide bracket 340 is verticallysized to approximate such void space. More preferably, a void spaceexists above lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302of lateral slide track 300.

Lateral slide bracket 340 is comprised of (i) upper surface 350, (ii)lower surface 352 that abuts but is not attached to lower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300, (iii) anterior surface 342 and posteriorsurface 344 each extending vertically between surfaces 350 and 352, and(iv) side surfaces 346 and 348, preferably comprising front side surface346 and rear side surface 348, each side surface each extendinglongitudinally between anterior and posterior surfaces 342 and 344,respectively, and vertically between upper and lower surfaces 350 and352, respectively. Anterior surface 342 and posterior surface 344 eachextend laterally between side surfaces 346 and 348. As indicatedearlier, preferably, side surface 346 is proximal the front of lateralslide bracket 340 so as to comprise front surface 346 of lateral slidebracket 340 and side surface 348 is proximal the rear of lateral slidebracket 340 so as to comprise rear surface 348. At least a portion oflateral slide bracket 340 is hollow, preferably lateral slide bracket340 is substantially hollow, more preferably lateral slide bracket 340comprises a substantially open (hollow) interior comprised of perimetersegments 350, 352, 342, 344, 346, and 348 surrounding a substantiallyopen (hollow) interior, more preferably entirely hollow.

In a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIG. 11, aperture G ispositioned longitudinally on upper surface 350 so as to substantiallycoincide with gap 306. Positioned on lower surface 352 of lateral slidebracket 340 is aperture E (FIG. 11) that is substantially aligned withgap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and aperture G on upper surface 350of lateral slide bracket 340, with lateral slide bracket hollow channel364 extending vertically in the interior of lateral slide bracket 340between aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 toaperture E of lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340. Inalternative preferred embodiment, positioned on upper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket is an indentation that is longitudinallypositioned to be substantially aligned with and under gap 306,preferably such indentation being substantially circular. In yet analternative preferred embodiment, lateral slide bracket 340 has noindentation or aperture G on upper surface 350 or aperture E on lowersurface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340.

Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, lateralslide bracket 340 is laterally displaceable along one or more rails 305attached to lateral slide track 300. In a preferred embodiment whereinlateral slide track 300 has one or more lateral slide track rails 305,lateral slide bracket 340 comprises one or more void spaces toaccommodate such lateral slide track rails 305. In a preferredembodiment, wherein lateral slide track 300 has positioned on lowersurface 310 a lateral slide track rail 305 and with reference to FIGS.11 and 12, positioned in lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340is void wedge 353 comprising a three dimensional void space proximallower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300. Lateral slide bracket 340is positioned within lateral slide track 300 so as to accommodatelateral slide track rail 305 positioned on lateral slide track lowersurface 310 in void wedge 353. Preferably, void wedge 353 extendssubstantially laterally from front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket340 to rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 and lateral slidetrack rail 305 extends substantially laterally from the front surface304 of lateral slide track 300 to the rear surface 312 of lateral slidetrack 300.

Alternatively, and with reference to FIG. 16, in a preferred embodimentof mobility device 1 wherein positioned in the void space above lowersurface 310 and below upper surface 302 and extending laterally fromfront surface 304 to rear surface 312 of lateral slide track 300 are oneor more lateral slide track rails 305, positioned within lateral slidebracket 340 is one or more hollow horizontally-oriented lateral slidebracket channels extending laterally within lateral slide bracket 340from an aperture on the front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket 340to an aperture on the rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340,with one channel in lateral slide bracket 340 per lateral slide trackrail 305 positioned in the lateral slide track 300 void space. Theapertures on the front surface 346 and rear surface 348 of lateral slidebracket 340 and one or more channels in lateral slide bracket 340 arelongitudinally and vertically positioned to substantially coincide withthe longitudinal and vertical position of the one or more lateral trackrails 305, with one lateral slide track rail 305 passing through eachaperture on front surface 346, aperture on rear surface 348, and thelateral slide bracket channel therebetween. Preferably, positioned inthe void space of lateral slide track 300 are two lateral slide trackrails 305 and lateral slide bracket 340 has two apertures on each offront surface 346 and rear surface 348 and a channel extending betweeneach of the two sets of the front surface 346-rear surface 348apertures.

Lateral slide bracket 340 is securedly engaged to lateral slide track300 using any one of many known methods in the art. Preferably, lateralslide bracket 340 is secured to lateral slide track 300 through use of alateral slide bracket pin 362 extending downward through gap 306 oflateral slide track 300 that is secured against the upper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340. In one such preferred embodiment, lateralslide bracket pin 362 is comprised of head (not separately numbered)attached to the upper end of a shaft (not separately numbered). Lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted through gap 306 of lateral slide track300, aperture G on lateral slide bracket upper surface 350, lateralslide bracket hollow channel 364, and aperture E on lateral slidebracket lower surface 352 to a vertical position wherein the lowerportion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts lowersurface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateral slide bracket340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slide bracket 340immovable laterally.

In a preferred embodiment of such mobility device 1, a set screw (notseparately numbered or depicted) is positioned in the lower portion oflateral slide bracket hollow channel 364. Lateral slide bracket pin 362is inserted vertically downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track300, aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340through the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 to and throughaperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 to avertical position wherein the lower end of the shaft of lateral slidebracket pin 362 engages the upper portion of the set screw and pushesthe lower portion of the set screw through aperture E on lower surface352 of lateral slide bracket 340, with such set screw lower portionabutting lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateralslide bracket 340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slidebracket 340 immovable laterally. Most preferably, lateral slide bracketpin 362 bridges the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateralslide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track300 such that the lateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterallydisplaced.

To adjust the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340 when theshaft of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted in lateral slidebracket hollow channel 364 such that the lower portion of the shaft oflateral slide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw positioned inlateral slide bracket hollow channel 364, abuts the lower surfaced 310of lateral slide track 300, the user retracts lateral slide bracket pin362 by turning or pulling the head of lateral slide bracket pin 362which vertically retracts a portion of the shaft of lateral slidebracket pin 362 from the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 tothereby separate the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracketpin 362 or, as may be, the set screw in lateral slide bracket hollowchannel 364, from the lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300,which renders lateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The user thenpositions the lateral slide bracket 340, preferably with lateral slidebracket 340 sliding laterally along one or more lateral slide trackrails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaceslaterally passing through lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 16or in a void wedge 353 in lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340as shown in FIG. 11, to the desired lateral position by displacinglateral slide bracket 340 laterally toward the rear or front of mobilitydevice 1 as needed once lateral slide bracket 340 is displaced to thedesired lateral position. The user then re-inserts lateral slide bracketpin 362, with the lower portion of the shaft of the lateral slidebracket pin 362 or, as may be, set screw in the lateral slide brackethollow channel 364, extending vertically downward through aperture E onlower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to abut lowersurface 310 of lateral slide track 300, which renders lateral slidebracket 340 immovable laterally.

In an alternative embodiment of mobility device 1 and with reference toFIG. 16, lateral slide bracket 340 is secured to lateral slide track 300through use of a lateral slide bracket pin 362 inserted through gap 306of lateral slide track 300, wherein lateral slide bracket pin 362preferably is comprised of a head attached to the upper end of a shaft.Positioned on the lower end of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is lateralslide bracket pin nut 365 comprised of (i) an upper segment with an opentopside, and open underside aligned with the open topside, and a hollowvoid between the topside and underside, preferably such upper segmentshaped substantially cylindrically, and (ii) a lower segment with ahollow portion located substantially in the center of the lower segment,the hollow portion defined by an open topside and open underside andthat are both aligned with gap 306, the hollow void of the lowersegment, and the open topside and underside of the upper segment oflateral slide bracket pin nut 365. Preferably, the lower segment oflateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is shaped substantially circularly.

Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is longitudinally positioned tosubstantially coincide with the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300.Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned to extendabove upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 downward through gap306 of lateral slide track 300 toward lateral slide bracket 340.Preferably, the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 isvertically positioned substantially above upper surface 302 of lateralslide track 300 and is displaceable downward so as to position a greaterportion of upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 belowupper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 upon the lowering oflateral slide bracket pin 362. The lower segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned below upper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward toward the uppersurface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340. Additionally, and preferably,lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper endof a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the hollow void in theupper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and interior of thehollow portion of lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 arethreated to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft oflateral slide bracket pin 362.

Positioned below lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is lateral slidebracket stopper 366 comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, andone or more vertical surfaces therebetween. Preferably, lateral slidebracket pin stopper 366 is substantially cylindrical comprising a thincylinder with a large diameter relative to height and comprising ahorizontal upper circular surface, a horizontal lower circular surface,and a vertical side circular surface therebetween. More preferably,lateral slide bracket stopper 366 sits in an indentation on the uppersurface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 having substantially the samecross sectional area as lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Additionallyand more preferably, positioned on the upper surface of lateral slidebracket stopper 366 is a protrusion which extends vertically above theupper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366, such protrusionlongitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 of lateral slide track300 and having a cross sectional area smaller relative to the crosssectional area of the remaining, lower portion of lateral slide bracketstopper 366. More preferably, such protrusion has an open topside and issubstantially cylindrical, having a closed underside corresponding withthe upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Additionally,and more preferably, lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a headattached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interiorof the protrusion of the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 is threadedto receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateral slidebracket pin 362.

In embodiments of mobility device 1 comprising a lateral slide bracketpin nut 365 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366, the lateral slidebracket pin 362 is longitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 oflateral slide track 300 and the lower portion of lateral slide bracketpin 362 is inserted into the open topside of the upper segment oflateral slide bracket pin nut 365 which is aligned with gap 306 oflateral slide track 300, through the hollow void in the interior of theupper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365, through the openunderside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365, andthrough the hollow portion of the lower segment of lateral slide bracketpin nut 365 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Inpreferred embodiments, the lower end of the shaft of lateral slidebracket pin 362 is inserted into the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300and lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 as set forth above, with the lowerportion of the shaft downwardly inserted to a vertical position whereinit abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366, more preferably, suchshaft is inserted into a protrusion extending upward from the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 upper surface, with such insertion extendingdownwardly to a vertical position where lateral slide bracket pin 362abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366 upper surface which correspondswith the closed underside of such protrusion. The lateral slide bracketpin 362 is inserted so that the compression imparted by lateral slidebracket pin 362 extending through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 onlateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket 340 renderslateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.

Preferably, as indicated earlier, the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin362 is threaded and the interior of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is threaded so as to receptively accommodate thethreading of threaded shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362. In suchembodiments, the downward insertion of lateral slide bracket pin 362through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 comprises screwing, with thecontinued screwing down of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 afterabutment with lateral slide bracket stopper 366 causing the lowering ofthe lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 downward to a point where lateralslide bracket pin nut 365 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366, morepreferably the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365abutting a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366, with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridging thevertical gap above the lateral slide bracket 340 and below the uppersurface 302 of lateral slide track 300 such that the lateral slidebracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced.

In a preferred embodiment, mobility device 1 comprises a lateral slidebracket pin nut 365-lateral slide bracket stopper 366 combination andwherein the lateral slide bracket pin 362, preferably comprising a headattached to the upper end of a shaft that is more preferably threaded,is longitudinally aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300, thelower portion of pin 362 is inserted into and through the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position of abutment with the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 so as to laterally secure the lateral slidebracket 340 which is positioned below the lateral slide bracket stopper366, with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and lateral bracketstopper 366 bridging the vertical gap above upper surface 350 of lateralslide bracket 340 and below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track300. To adjust the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340, theuser retracts lateral slide bracket pin 362, preferably such pin 362comprising a head attached to the upper end of a threaded shaft and suchretraction comprising the unscrewing of the threaded shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362. Such retraction results in the separation of thelateral slide bracket pin 362 from the lateral slide bracket stopper366, preferably separation from the upper surface of the lateral slidebracket stopper 366 and more preferably separation from the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 to substantially or completely retract lateralslide bracket pin 362 from a hollow protrusion positioned on the uppersurface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Such separation relievesthe compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateralslide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340 so as to renderlateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The retraction of lateralslide bracket pin 362 results in the (i) upward displacement of lateralslide bracket pin 362 to a position where pin 362 does not abut theupper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and (ii) upwarddisplacement of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a position wherebylateral slide bracket pin nut 365 does not abut lateral slide bracketstopper 366 and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 do not bridge the vertical gap above the uppersurface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302of lateral slide track 300. After relief of the compression imparted bylateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 onlateral slide bracket 340, the user then laterally displaces the lateralslide bracket 340 toward the rear or front of mobility device 1 asneeded, preferably with lateral slide bracket 340 displacing laterallyalong one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated andpositioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing throughlateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 16 or within a void wedge 353in lower surface 353 of lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 11.The user then re-inserts lateral slide bracket pin 362 through lateralslide bracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position such that the lateralslide bracket pin 362 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366, morepreferably re-insertion of the lower portion of lateral slide bracketpin 362 through the hollow portions of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365and the hollow protrusion positioned on the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366 to a position of abutment of the lower portionof lateral slide bracket pin 362 with the upper surface of lateral slidebracket stopper 366. More preferably, lateral slide bracket pin 362 isinserted into lateral slide bracket pin nut 365, causing the lowering oflateral slide bracket pin nut 365 so that the lateral slide bracket pinnut 365 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridge thevertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300. Suchabutment provides compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362on lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket 340positioned below lateral slide bracket stopper 366 so as to renderlateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.

Alternatively, the position of lateral slide bracket 340 can belaterally adjusted and secured to lateral slide track 300 using any oneof other alternate multiple means known in the art.

Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390: With reference to FIGS. 1-9,11, 13-14, and 17-18, mobility device 1 comprises tension strap 390attached to lateral slide bracket 340. The tension in tension strap 390can be adjusted, and the adjustment of such tension and the attachmentof tension strap 390 to lateral slide bracket 340 can be accomplishedusing any one of multiple methods known in the art.

Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390 with Angulatedly DisplaceableHandle 370 Attached to Lateral Slide Bracket 340: With reference toFIGS. 1-9, 11, and 13-14, tension strap 390 is attached to handle 370,with handle 370 angulatedly displaceable which adjusts the tension intension strap 390. Handle 370 comprises lever 375 attached to leverjoint 371 which is rotatably attached to ratchet gear 378 which isattached to lateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, ratchet gear 378attaches to one or more surfaces of lateral slide bracket 340. Morepreferably, ratchet gear 378 attaches to one of front surface 346 andrear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 at a longitudinal positionposterior lateral slide track 300. Additionally and more preferably,ratchet gear 378 attaches to rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket340. One or more attachment structures 358 attaches ratchet gear 378 tolateral slide bracket 340. Attachment structures 358 comprise any one ormore known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, suchas screws, nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps. Preferably, each attachingstructure 358 comprises a screw used either in conjunction with a washeror alone.

Lever 375 comprises a substantially hollow structure with an upperportion and a lower portion and with an opening proximal lateral sidebracket 340. Additionally and preferably, lever 375 is (i) cylindricallyshaped, (ii) the topside of lever 375 in the upper portion of lever 375is open, and (iii) the opening is positioned in the lower portion oflever 375. Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the underside oflever 375 in the lower portion of 375 is closed. Moreover and in apreferred embodiment, the exterior of upper portion of lever 375 issheathed with lever cover 372. Preferably, lever cover 372 is made of amaterial conducive to serving as a grip for the user's hand. Morepreferably, such material is one or more materials selected from thegroup consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or athermo-plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyvinylchloride (PVC), neoprene, or a polyolefin such as polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1(PB-1). Further and preferably, lever grip 357 is positioned between theupper portion and lower portion of lever 375.

The lower portion of lever 375 is attached to lever joint 371. Leverjoint 371 comprises a substantially hollow casing within which is housedbearing 359 which is rotatable within the hollow casing comprising leverjoint 371. The rotatability of bearing 359 allows for lever joint 371and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to rotate around an axis thatis substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340.

Lever joint 371 is attached to ratchet gear 378. Additionally, in apreferred embodiment, bearing 359 is attached to ratchet gear 378. Suchattachment can be accomplished using any one or more known structuresused in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws (with orwithout washers), nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps.

In a preferred embodiment, ratchet gear 378 comprises a structure withan anterior end substantially parallel to rear surface 348 and frontsurface of lateral slide bracket 340, a lower end substantially parallelto lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340, and a posterior endbetween anterior end and lower end, the posterior end having an inneredge and an outer edge, whereby the outer edge comprises a substantially90-degree arc between lower end and anterior end. Positioned on theinner edge of posterior end of ratchet gear 378 are gear teeth 379 (aplurality of gear tooth 379), each such gear tooth 379 formed by anupper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creatinganterior vertex V proximal the anterior of mobility device 1. Separatingadjacent gear teeth 379, whereby adjacent gear teeth 379 comprise afirst gear tooth 379 and a second gear tooth 379 positioned verticallybelow first gear tooth 379, is inner vertex W proximal the posterior ofmobility device 1, such inner vertex W formed by the lower edge of thefirst gear tooth 379 and the upper edge of the second gear tooth 379.Preferably, gear teeth 379 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each geartooth 379 having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slopeon the other edge. More preferably, the gear teeth 379 are substantiallytriangular in shape and the void space between adjacent gear teeth 379is substantially triangular.

The rotatability of lever 375 at lever joint 371 around an axissubstantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340 at lever joint371 resulting from bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371allows for lever 375 of handle 370 to be extendable angulatedly fromlateral slide bracket 340 toward the posterior of mobility device 1until it is substantially parallel with lower surface 352 of lateralslide bracket 340 and toward the anterior of mobility device 1 until itis substantially perpendicular with lower surface 352 of lateral slidebracket 340.

The angular orientation of lever 375 of handle 370 is adjustable usingany one of multiple methods known in the art. In a preferred embodiment,positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is spring 373 withan upper end and a lower end, the lower end of spring 373 attached toone or more of the exterior of casing of lever joint 371 and a closedunderside of lever 375. Attached to the upper end of spring 373 isslider 377 which is also positioned in the interior of lever 375 ofhandle 370. Slider 377 comprises a structure with an upper end and alower end, a first side end that is proximal ratchet gear 378 and asecond side end that is distal from ratchet gear 378 wherein each sideend extends between the upper and lower ends, and an anterior and aposterior end each extending between the upper and lower ends and thefirst and second side ends, with the lower end of slider 377 attached tothe upper end of spring 373.

Also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is pawl 367.Pawl 367 comprises an upper surface oriented toward the anterior ofmobility device 1, a lower surface oriented toward the posterior ofmobility device 1, a first side surface that is proximal ratchet gear378 and a second side surface that is distal from ratchet gear 378. Eachside surface of pawl 367 extends between the upper and lower surfaces ofpawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engagesan edge of a gear tooth 379, preferably the upper edge of gear tooth379. The engaging of pawl 367 to a gear tooth 379 angulatedly secureslever 375 to ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in lever joint 371is not rotatable which prevents the rotation of lever joint 371 andlever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that issubstantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340.

In one preferred embodiment, slider 377 is directly attached to pawl367, preferably with the second side surface of pawl 367 attached to thefirst side end of slider 377. The thickness (lateral dimension) ofslider 377 is sized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extends outsidethe interior of lever 375 through the opening at lower portion of lever375 proximal lateral side bracket 340, with such portion of the lowersurface of pawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379. More preferably, thethickness of slider 377 is sized so that pawl 367 is substantiallypositioned exterior the interior of lever 375.

Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, slider 377 is attached tospacer (not numbered or depicted) and spacer is attached to pawl 367such that spacer is laterally positioned between slider 377 and pawl367. The joint thickness (lateral dimension) of slider 377 and spacer issized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367 and at least aportion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extend outside the interior oflever 375 through the opening on the surface of handle 370 proximallateral slide bracket 340, with such portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379. More preferably, the joint thicknessof slider 377 and spacer is sized so that pawl 367 is substantiallypositioned exterior the interior of lever 375.

Also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is triggerrod 376 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end isattached to upper surface of slider 377. Preferably, trigger rod 376 issubstantially cylindrically shaped. More preferably, the horizontalcross sectional area of trigger rod 376 is less than the horizontalcross sectional area of slider 377. Attached to the upper end of triggerrod 376 is trigger 374 with an upper end and a lower end wherein thelower end of trigger 374 is attached to the upper end of trigger rod 376and at least a portion of the upper end extends outside the interior oflever 375 through the open top of lever 375 so as to be positioned toallow a user to touch trigger 374.

In an initial angular orientation of lever 375, pawl 367 engages initialgear tooth 379 of ratchet gear 378, preferably with at least a portionof the lower surface of the pawl 367 engaging an edge of initial geartooth 379, more preferably the upper edge of initial gear tooth 379 suchthat the upper surface of pawl 367 is positioned in the void space aboveinitial gear tooth 379. The engagement of pawl 367 to initial gear tooth379 keeps pawl 367 locked against initial gear tooth 379 to prevent anychange of angular orientation of lever 375 via the pivotal rotation oflever 375 at lever joint 371. To change the angular orientation of lever375 from an initial angular orientation associated with pawl 367 engagedto initial gear tooth 379 to a final angular orientation associated withpawl 367 engaged to final gear tooth 379, user depresses trigger 374causing the depression of trigger rod 376 and slider 377 to a positionlower in the interior of lever 375, with the depression of slider 377compressing and springably lowering the upper end of spring 373 withinthe interior of lever 375. The depression of slider 377, which isdirectly or indirectly via spacer attached to pawl 367, causes thedisplacement of pawl 367 toward the lower portion of lever 375 anddistally from upper portion of lever 375. The displacement of pawl 367causes the lower surface of pawl 367 to become disengaged from the edgeof initial gear tooth 379 and the positioning of pawl 367 anterior theanterior vertex V of initial gear tooth 379 and the void spacepositioned above initial gear tooth 379. This displacement of pawl 367angulatedly frees lever 375 from ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359in lever joint 371 is rotatable which allows for the rotation of leverjoint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis thatis substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340. As such,lever 375 becomes freely rotatably at lever joint 371 due to therotatability of bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371attached to lever 375. With lever 375 freely rotatable, user can extendlever 375 angulatedly toward the posterior of mobility device 1,preferably to a maximum angulation toward the posterior of mobilitydevice 1 whereby lever 375 is substantially parallel to the lowersurface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340, or toward the anterior ofmobility device 1, preferably to a maximum angulation toward theanterior of mobility device whereby lever 375 is substantiallyperpendicular to the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340.With handle 375 thus freely rotatable, user angulatedly positions handle375 to a desired angular position.

When the lever 375 is in the desired angular orientation, user releasestrigger 374 causing the decompression of spring 373, which results inthe displacement of the upper end of spring 373, trigger rod 376, andslider 377 upward in the interior of lever 375. This upward displacementof slider 377, which is directly or indirectly via spacer attached topawl 367, causes the displacement of pawl 367 toward the upper portionof lever 375 and distally from upper portion of lever 375. Thisdisplacement of pawl 367 causes the lower surface of pawl 367 to becomeengaged with an edge of final gear tooth 379. This displacement of pawl367 and engagement of pawl 367 to final gear tooth 379 angulatedlysecures lever 375 to ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in leverjoint 371 is not rotatable, which thus rotatably secures lever joint 371and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to ratchet gear 378.

Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390 with Tension Strap Reel: Inan alternative embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, theadjustment of the tension in tension strap 390 is accomplished usingtension strap reel assembly attached to lateral slide bracket 340,preferably attached to one or more of the lower surface 352 of lateralslide bracket 340 and upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340.Tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base 402 attachedto the lateral slide bracket 340, preferably attached to the posteriorof the lateral slide bracket 340. Disposed above reel base 402 is reel406 which is supported by reel base 402 which is rotatable around anaxis perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 304 and to which is securedone end of tension strap 390, which is wound around tension strap 390,with the other end of tension strap 390 free and displaceable from reel406. More preferably, reel 406 is substantially circular or cylindrical.Preferably, disposed between reel base 402 and reel 406 is one or morereel bearings (not depicted or numbered) secured to and rotatable alongwith reel 406. Preferably, one or more spacers (not depicted ornumbered) is disposed between reel base 402 and lower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340.

Disposed above reel 406 is reel assembly cover 408 which is attached toupper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, disposedbetween reel assembly cover 408 and upper surface 350 of lateral slidebracket 340 is one or more spacers (not depicted or numbered). Reelassembly cover 408 is comprised of an integral structure or one or moreintegral structures joined together to form one structure with a hangershape comprising a substantially rectangular anterior portion and aposterior portion with a void positioned between the anterior andposterior portions of reel assembly cover 408. The void of reel assemblycover 408 is sized to accommodate reel 406 and secure reel 406 therein.Preferably, the void is substantially circular and reel 406 issubstantially cylindrical and accommodated within the substantiallycircular void of reel assembly cover 408.

Reel 406 is rotatably attached to reel gear 414 comprising asubstantially circular disc with a plurality of reel gear teeth (notnumbered) positioned around the disc circumference. Each such gear toothis formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge therebycreating an outer vertex, with an inner vertex formed by the lower edgeof a gear tooth and the upper edge of the adjacent reel gear teeth suchthat the inner vertex separates adjacent reel gear teeth. The uppersurface of the disc of reel gear 414 is attached to reel knob 416.Preferably, one or more bearings is disposed between reel 406 and reelgear 414.

Positioned on and secured to reel assembly cover 408 is reel pawl 412.Reel pawl 412 has an anterior end, posterior end, and first and secondsides extending between anterior and posterior ends. Preferably, thefirst side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the front of mobility device 1and the second side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the rear of mobilitydevice 1 such that the first side comprises a front side of reel pawl412 and a second side comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412. An end orside of reel pawl 412 engages one tooth of reel gear 414 (“reel pawlengaged surface”). Preferably, the posterior end of reel pawl 412comprises the reel pawl engaged surface and engages one reel tooth ofreel gear 414.

In a preferred embodiment, reel pawl 412 is secured to reel assemblycover 408 by a reel pawl peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberanceextending vertically upward from reel assembly cover 408. In suchpreferred embodiment, the anterior of reel pawl 412 has positionedtherein a substantially vertical void space substantially sized toaccommodate the reel pawl peg, preferably approximating the size of thereel pawl peg. The reel pawl peg is positioned within the vertical voidspace at the anterior of reel pawl 412. More preferably, the upper endof the reel pawl peg has a hollow channel through which a securingdevice, preferably a cotter pin, can be inserted to maintain reel pawl412 secured to and positioned on reel assembly cover 408.

Extending anteriorly from one of the anterior end of reel pawl 412,first side of reel pawl 412, or second side of reel pawl 412 is reelpawl tab (not numbered). Preferably, reel pawl tab extends anteriorlyfrom the first side of reel pawl 412 and the first side of reel pawl 412comprises a front side of reel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extendsanteriorly therefrom. Alternatively and in a preferred embodiment, thesecond side of reel pawl 412 comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412 andreel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom.

Secured to the side of reel pawl 412 opposite the side with reel pawltab is a first end of reel pawl spring 410, and a second end of reelpawl spring 410 is secured to reel assembly cover 408. Preferably, thesecond end of reel pawl spring 410 comprises a substantially circularloop that is placed over and secured to a spring peg (not numbered)comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward from reel assemblycover 408 and positioned distally from the reel pawl peg.

Reel gear 414 can move without restriction in an unrestricted direction,preferably the unrestricted direction being counterclockwise, when theplurality of reel gear teeth move in the unrestricted direction, withthe reel pawl 412 engaged surface easily sliding up and over the edgesof the plurality of gear teeth of reel gear 414. The stiffness of reelpawl spring 410 maintains reel pawl 412 engaged to a gear tooth of reelgear 414, with reel pawl spring 410 forcing the reel pawl 412 engagedsurface into the depression between the plurality of gear teeth, i.e.,proximal the inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth andthe upper edge of an adjacent reel gear teeth, as the reel pawl 412engaged surface passes the outer vertex of each reel pawl tooth. Whenreel gear 414 moves in a restricted direction opposite the unrestricteddirection, preferably the restricted direction being clockwise, the reelpawl 412 engaged surface catches against the edge of the first geartooth it encounters, thereby engaging the reel pawl 412 engaged surfacewithin the inner vertex between adjacent reel gear teeth and preventingany further motion of reel gear 414 in the restricted direction.

To impart tension on tension strap 390 and remove any slack length oftension strap 390 during use, the user secures the leg of the foot onstirrup 60 to tension strap 390 and rotates in the unrestricteddirection reel knob 406, which rotates reel gear 414 and reel 406,resulting in the winding of tension strap 390 around reel 406 and anoverall shorter free longitudinal length of tension strap 390 unwoundoff of reel 406 and positioned to the posterior of lateral slide bracket340. After use and to allow for the user to introduce slack to tensionstrap 390 so as to remove the leg from tension strap 390, the userremoves the tension in tension strap 390 by triggering and holding reelpawl tab of reel pawl 412 which causes displacement of reel pawl 412distally from reel pawl spring 410, causing the extension of reel pawlspring 410 and the disengagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surface fromany reel teeth of reel gear 414, which allows for free rotation of reel406, reel gear 414, and reel knob 406 in the restricted directionresulting from the lack of engagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surfaceon any reel tooth of reel gear 414.

Tension Strap: With reference to FIGS. 1-9, 11, 13-14, and 17-18,mobility device 1 further comprises tension strap 390. Tension strap 390can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, includingleather, rubber, a textile, or a synthetic. In an embodiment of mobilitydevice 1 wherein the tension in tension strap 390 is adjustable byhandle 370 as described herein and with reference to FIGS. 1-14, tensionstrap 390 is attached, more preferably removably attached in a manner toallow for replacement of tension strap 390, to handle 370 by snaps,buttons, pegs, or other methods known in the exercise equipment arts.More preferably, tension strap 390 is removably attached to lever 375 bysecuring tension strap 390 to lever grip 357. Additionally andpreferably, tension strap 390 is looped through a void space positionedbetween lever 375 and lever grip 357. In an embodiment of mobilitydevice 1 wherein the tension in tension strap 390 is adjustable by atension strap reel assembly, and with reference to FIGS. 17-18, tensionstrap 390 is secured to and wound around reel 406 of tension strap reelassembly.

In a preferred embodiment, tension strap 390 comprises a strap memberwith a free first end and a second end attached to a tension strapbuckle to allow for the user to adjust the total circumferential lengthof strap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user by increasingor decreasing the slack length of strap member of tension strap 390.More preferably, positioned on the exterior surface of strap member tothe anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is tension strap loop(not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length of tensionstrap 390 passes. Tension strap loop may be affixed to the exteriorsurface of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in theart, such as adhesive or stitching. Additionally, and more preferably,positioned on the free end of strap member is end tip (not depicted ornumbered) which serves to protect the end of the slack length of thestrap member after passing through tension strap buckle. Morepreferably, positioned on the exterior of strap member to the anterioror posterior of tension strap buckle is a tension strap loop (notdepicted or numbered) through which the slack length of strap member oftension strap 390 passes. The tension strap loop may be affixed to strapmember of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in theart, such as adhesive or stitching.

Tension strap buckle can comprise any one of multiple buckle designsknown in the art. Preferably, tension strap buckle comprises a framewith an upper portion, anterior portion, lower portion, and posteriorportion, and a prong with a first end and a second end and which goesacross the frame, extending longitudinally between anterior andposterior portions, with the first end of the prong attached to one ofthe anterior or posterior portions and the second end passing throughone of a plurality of apertures on strap member and coming to restagainst one of the posterior or anterior portions, respectively. Tensionstrap buckle can be made from any one of many materials known in theart, such as plastic or metal. Preferably, tension strap buckle is madeof metal and tension strap 390 is made of rubber. Additionally andpreferably, positioned on tension strap 390 is one or more aperturesthrough which the prong of the tension strap buckle is passed so as tosecure tension strap 390 and fix the total circumferential length ofstrap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user.

In one embodiment of mobility device 1 and with reference to FIGS. 1-14,adjustment of the angular orientation of handle 370 changes the tensionin tension strap 390 which is attached to handle 370. Lowering thehandle 370 toward the posterior of mobility device 1 moves the tensionstrap 390 closer to the heel of a user, which is positioned in theposterior section R of stirrup 60, and closer to the leg of such userwhich provides for slackening of tension strap 390 and release oftension in tension strap 390. When the user is ready to increase thetension in tension strap 390 as desired for physical therapy, the userraises the handle 370 toward the anterior of mobility device 1 whichmoves the tension strap 390 further from the heel of a user, which ispositioned in the posterior section R of stirrup 60, and further fromthe leg of such user which provides for tightening of tension strap 390and increase of tension in tension strap 390.

In an embodiment of mobility device 1 wherein tension strap 390 tensionis controllable by a tension strap reel assembly and with reference toFIGS. 17-18, adjustment and manipulation of reel knob 416 and reel pawl412 of reel assembly results in rotation of reel 406 around which iswound and to which is attached one end of tension strap 390, whichvaries the tension in tension strap 390, with counterclockwise rotationof reel 406 resulting in the winding of tension strap 390 around reel406 resulting in an overall shorter free longitudinal length of tensionstrap 390 unwound off of reel 406 and positioned to the posterior oflateral slide bracket 340.

Sensors: In a preferred embodiment, mobility device 1 is integrated witha plurality of sensors that can measure the position of structures ofmobility device 1 and transmit such position measurements to a digitalstorage medium for storage. Integrated in stirrup 60 is stirrup positionsensor which measures at least the height of stirrup 60 and angle ofstirrup 60 with respect the longitudinal axis, lateral axis, andvertical axis of mobility device 1 which are defined by the middlelongitudinal portion 16 of base 10, an axis passing through such stirrupsensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion 12 of base 10 andposterior portion 14 of base 10, and center post 50, respectively.Additionally, the user places around the calf of the leg with the footthat is on stirrup 60 calf sensor band 399 (FIG. 6) comprising aflexible band and a sensor integrated therein which the user places. Thesensors of calf sensor band 399 and stirrup 60 provide measurements ofthe range of motion of a user's ankle when using mobility device 1 bymeasuring the distance and angle between stirrup sensor and the sensorin calf sensor band 399. Moreover, one or more tension strap sensors isintegrated in tension strap 390 to measure the position of and thetension in tension strap 390. Furthermore, and preferably, the one ormore tension strap sensors are integrated into tension strap 390 tomeasure tension in tension strap 390 when mobility device 1 is in use.More preferably, one or more sensors are provided with means forrecording when sensors are powered on and powered off to provide ameasure of the duration of use by a user of mobility device 1 and thefrequency of use of mobility device 1. Additionally, and in a preferredembodiment, the sensors are provided with means for remotely adjustingthe position and angular orientation of stirrup 60. Furthermore, andpreferably, one or more lateral slide bracket sensors are integratedinto lateral slide bracket 340 to measure the lateral position oflateral slide bracket 340 when mobility device 1 is in use.Additionally, and preferably, one or more post sensors are integratedinto one or more of center post 50 and tension post 20 o measure thevertical position of such one or more posts when mobility device 1 is inuse.

DESCRIPTION OF USE AND METHOD OF OPERATION

The user adjusts the vertical positions of each of center post 50 andtension post 20 to the desired vertical position and adjusts the lateralposition of lateral slide bracket 340 to the desired lateral position.Moreover, in preferred embodiments of mobility device 1 wherein thelongitudinal position of center post 50 is adjustable, the user adjuststhe longitudinal position of center post 50 to the desired longitudinalposition. The user establishes the angular orientation of stirrup 60 viamanipulation of ball joint assembly J. The user places the desired footon stirrup 60 and positions talus tension strap 76 over the top of thefoot at the ankle joint line and positions the calcaneus distractionstrap 72 around the back of the foot where the Achilles tendon meets thecalcaneus. When the foot is secured in the stirrup 60, the user wrapsthe tension strap 390 around the back of the calf of the leg whose footis in the stirrup 60, preferably above the Achilles tendon. In order toposition tension strap 390 around the exercise leg, tension strap 390must be slack enough to allow for the user to slide tension strap 390 upand around the exercise leg which can be accomplished by adjustingtension in tension strap 390 using one of the methods for tension strap390 tension adjustment described herein as needed in order to createsufficient slack in tension strap 390 to allow for positioning tensionstrap 390 around the exercise leg. The user then imparts the desiredtension in tension strap 390 by adjusting the tension in tension strap390 using one of the methods of tension strap 390 tension adjustmentdescribed herein. The user is then ready to commence exercises inmobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapistor other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces thetension in tension strap 390, removes tension strap 390 from theexercised leg, and removes the foot from stirrup 60 by removing the footfrom the space bound by straps 72 and 76.

We claim:
 1. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:a. A base; b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the verticalposition of the tension post is adjustable through means for verticallyadjusting the tension post; c. A center post attached to the baseposterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable,wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the post; d. Means for adjusting theangular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivotinwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotatecircularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post,wherein such means is attached to the center post; e. A stirrup attachedto the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; f. Oneor more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to thestirrup; g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post; h. Alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; i. Means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; j. A tension strap attachedfor securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and k. Means foradjusting the tension in the tension strap, such means attached to thelateral slide bracket.
 2. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1,wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and thelateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or morerails.
 3. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thelongitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
 4. A mobility deviceas claimed in claim 1 wherein the stirrup has positioned therein aplurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angularorientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upperportion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to thecenter post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises: a. A stirrupsupport plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channelsand wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns withone of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels; b. One or moresupport plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assemblyattaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated inone of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels; c. Aball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attachedthe bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of theplurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedlyengaged to the stirrup; d. One or more brakes abutting the socket; e.One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising afirst end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the secondend of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of thehorizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each ofthe one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and g. Acasing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollowchannels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portionof the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end ofthe horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and therail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, andwherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screwsextends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so thatthe second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or morebrake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brakescrews is positioned outside the casing; h. Wherein the vertical segmentof each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract atleast a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or morebrake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one ormore brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and thesocket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint andadjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedlyengaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
 5. A mobility device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, aposterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anteriorend connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior endconnected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising: a. Aplurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensorsintegrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensormeasures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinalaxis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateralaxis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to oneof the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of thebase, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calfsensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensorsintegrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensormeasures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrupsensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative toat least one stirrup sensor; and b. Means for relaying sensormeasurements to a means for recording the measurements.
 6. A mobilitydevice for use in physical therapy comprising: a. A base; b. A tensionpost attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tensionpost is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tensionpost; c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension postand that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical positionof the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjustingthe post; d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup toallow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardlyand downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axiscorresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to thecenter post; e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting theangular orientation of a stirrup; f. One or more straps attached to thestirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; g. A lateral slide trackattached to the tension post; h. A lateral slide bracket positionedwithin the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; i.Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateralslide track; and j. A tension strap reel assembly comprising: i. A reelassembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; ii. A reelsupported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatablearound an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to whichis secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the footsecured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable aroundthe reel; iii. A reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slidebracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a voidin which is accommodated the reel; iv. A reel pawl attached to the reelassembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a firstside and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of thesides; v. A reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawland a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; vi. A reel gearrotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular discwith a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disccircumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reelgear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end orside of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and whereinthe stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged tothe reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in adepression between adjacent reel gear teeth; vii. A reel knob rotatablyattached to the reel gear; viii. Wherein the reel gear moves withoutrestriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teethmove in the first direction and with restriction in a second directionresulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel geartooth; ix. Wherein tension in the tension strap is imparted by therotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gearand the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding ofthe tension strap around the reel; and x. Wherein tension in the tensionstrap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing theextension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawlfrom the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel,the reel gear, and the reel knob.
 7. A mobility device as claimed inclaim 6, wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slidetrack and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along suchone or more rails.
 8. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
 9. A mobilitydevice as claimed in claim 6 ball joint assembly, wherein the stirruphas positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the meansfor adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball jointassembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lowerportion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assemblycomprises: a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a pluralityof support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more supportplate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup verticalchannels; b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblieswherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrupand is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrupvertical channels; c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and asocket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearingstud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrupvertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup; d. One ormore brakes abutting the socket; e. One or more brake screws comprisinga horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and avertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segmentand wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screwhas attached thereto one brake; f. A rail abutting each of the one ormore brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidablydisplaceable along the rail; and g. A casing attached to the center postand having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casingis accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one ormore brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each ofthe one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail issecuredly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment ofeach of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one ormore casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontalsegment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segmentof each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside thecasing; and h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or morebrake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of thehorizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from thecasing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form agap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the balljoint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of theangular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to thebearing stud of the ball joint.
 10. A mobility device as claimed inclaim 6, a. wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posteriorportion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior endconnected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior endconnected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising b. Aplurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensorsintegrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensormeasures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinalaxis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateralaxis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to oneof the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of thebase, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calfsensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensorsintegrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensormeasures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrupsensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative toat least one stirrup sensor; and c. Means for relaying sensormeasurements to a means for recording the measurements.
 11. A mobilitydevice for use in physical therapy comprising: a. A base; b. A tensionpost attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tensionpost is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tensionpost; c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension postwherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the post; d. Means for adjusting theangular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivotinwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotatecircularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post,wherein such means is attached to the center post; e. A stirrup attachedto the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; f. Oneor more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to thestirrup; g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post; h. Alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; i. Means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; j. A ratchet gear attached tothe lateral slide bracket; k. A handle comprising a lever and a leverjoint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and l. A tensionstrap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured inthe stirrup.
 12. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11, wherein oneor more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateralslide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.13. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the longitudinallength of the stirrup is adjustable.
 14. A mobility device for use inphysical therapy as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stirrup haspositioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means foradjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball jointassembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lowerportion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assemblycomprises: a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a pluralityof support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more supportplate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup verticalchannels; b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblieswherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrupand is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrupvertical channels; c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and asocket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearingstud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrupvertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup; d. One ormore brakes abutting the socket; e. One or more brake screws comprisinga horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and avertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segmentand wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screwhas attached thereto one brake; f. A rail abutting each of the one ormore brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidablydisplaceable along the rail; and g. A casing attached to the center postand having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casingis accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one ormore brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each ofthe one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail issecuredly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment ofeach of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one ormore casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontalsegment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segmentof each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside thecasing; and h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or morebrake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of thehorizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from thecasing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form agap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the balljoint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of theangular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to thebearing stud of the ball joint.
 15. A mobility device as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posteriorportion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior endconnected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior endconnected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising: a. Aplurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensorsintegrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensormeasures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinalaxis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateralaxis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to oneof the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of thebase, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calfsensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensorsintegrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensormeasures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrupsensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative toat least one stirrup sensor; and b. Means for relaying sensormeasurements to a means for recording the measurements.
 16. A mobilitydevice for use in physical therapy comprising: a. A base; b. A tensionpost attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tensionpost is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tensionpost; c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension postwherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable throughmeans for vertically adjusting the post; d. Means for adjusting theangular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivotinwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotatecircularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post,wherein such means is attached to the center post; e. A stirrup attachedto the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; f. Oneor more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to thestirrup; g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post; h. Alateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and thatis laterally displaceable; i. Means for securedly engaging the lateralslide bracket to the lateral slide track; j. Tension strap reel assemblycomprising: i. A reel assembly base attached to the lateral slidebracket; ii. A reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein thereel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slidebracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securinga leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strapis woundable around the reel; iii. A reel assembly cover attached to thelateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positionedtherein a void in which is accommodated the reel; iv. A reel pawlattached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and aposterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extendsanteriorly from one of the sides; v. A reel pawl spring with a first endattached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assemblycover; vi. A reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising asubstantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teethdisposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear toothseparated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetweenand wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surfaceof a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl springmaintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning ofthe reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gearteeth; vii. A reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear; viii.Wherein the reel gear moves without restriction in a first directionwhen the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction andwith restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of thereel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth; ix. Wherein tension in thetension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the firstdirection whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the firstdirection resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel;and x. Wherein tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering andholding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl springand the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and therotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and thereel knob.
 17. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16, wherein one ormore rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slidebracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
 18. Amobility device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the longitudinal lengthof the stirrup is adjustable.
 19. A mobility device as claimed in claim16, wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of verticalchannels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of astirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached tothe stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and whereinthe ball joint assembly comprises: a. A stirrup support plate throughwhich extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each ofthe one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the pluralityof stirrup vertical channels; b. One or more support plate-stirrupattachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup supportplate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or moresupport plate-stirrup vertical channels; c. A ball joint comprising abearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud andwherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of supportplate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;d. One or more brakes abutting the socket; e. One or more brake screwscomprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second endand a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontalsegment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of eachbrake screw has attached thereto one brake; f. A rail abutting each ofthe one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes isslidably displaceable along the rail; and g. A casing attached to thecenter post and having one or more casing hollow channels, whereinwithin the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, eachof the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontalsegment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, andwherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein thehorizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extendsthrough one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the secondend of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screwsand the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws ispositioned outside the casing;
 20. A mobility device as claimed in claim1, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion,and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to theanterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to theposterior end of the base, and further comprising: a. A plurality ofsensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in thestirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height andangle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by themiddle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by anaxis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anteriorportion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and verticalaxis defined by the center post; and ii. A calf sensor band comprising aflexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexibleband and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance betweenthe calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angularorientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrupsensor; and b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means forrecording the measurements.